Hero Bertenshaw turns tables

Toft 90 all out

Brooklands 88 all out

ANYONE arriving late for Toft's last league match could have been forgiven for thinking their journey had been a waste of time.

The Toft score card read 22 for 6 wickets and suggested a disaster, but cricket has always been known as 'funny game' and several team members responded to the crisis with fighting spirit.

Batsman Steve Coutts with seasonal farming duties to perform arrived late and was forced to bat at number nine with the score at 45 for 7.

His top score of 35 gave Toft a total of 90 all out, but they remained in deep trouble.

The Brooklands batsmen at 42 for 1 were almost halfway to victory.

But then came the spin attack of experienced Paul Bertenshaw who, aided by skipper Nigel Muirhead and some terrific fielding, demolished the Brooklands batting.

His fantastic bowling figures of 8 for 43 off 23 overs included 8 maidens and edged Toft home by 2 runs.

Nigel Muirhead has been an inspiring captain in his first year in the job.

His team have won 12 matches more in the Cheshire County League than any other team.

Their top half finish in the competition, assured themselves of a place in next season's elite first division which will contain the cream of the county.

Converted for the new archive on 13 March 2001. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.